PRODACtest Ca - Calcium
Water test for determining the calcium concentration (Ca) in saltwater aquariums
Calcium is the most important element for the growth of corals, but also - albeit to a lesser extent - for calcareous red algae, mussels, snails, molluscs and other algae. The coral skeleton therefore consists of calcium carbonate (in the aragonite modification), which is poorly soluble under seawater conditions.
In reef aquaria it is therefore necessary to measure the calcium concentration at least once a week. The measurement is somewhat more complex than with many other tests and should be carried out very carefully.
While a calcium concentration that is too low leads to stagnant coral growth, a concentration that is too high offers no benefits to the aquarium inhabitants and only causes a number of biological and technical problems. Therefore, please ensure that the Ca concentration is set correctly!
Target values
- Aquarium: 380 - 420 mg/l
- Natural seawater: 420 - 430 mg/l
- Coral growth more or less stagnates below 380 mg/l
Calcium test set Instructions for use
- Rinse the cuvette several times with the water to be tested and then fill up with exactly 5 ml of water *
- 8 drops of the solution from reagent bottle 1. Close the vial and shake gently
- Add a level spatula of reagent 2 and shake again
The sample turns pink-violet in colour - Add reagent 3 drop by drop, shaking the sample after each drop. Please do not forget to count the drops count the drops! Add more drops until the mixture changes colour from pink-violet to light blue
- As soon as the light blue colour is reached, leave the cuvette to rest for approx. 30 seconds; if the colour disappears, add more drops of reagent 3 until the colour remains stable
- Multiply the number of drops of reagent 3 that were necessary for the light blue colouring, by 20to obtain the calcium concentration in mg/l.
* The meniscus of the water surface must touch the 5 ml graduation mark exactly
Caution
The drops of reagent 3 should be as uniform as possible; if they are too large or small, the test should be repeated!
Clean the cuvette after use, close the reagent bottle tightly and store in a cool, dry place away from light
Keep out of reach of children!
Contents
12 ml each of reagent solution 1 & 3, powder vial of reagent 2 (1.8 g), spatula, glass cuvette with stopper
The range depends on the measured values
Possible hazards Reagent 1
Pictogram
Signal word: Danger
Hazard statements
H290 May be corrosive to metals.
H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
Precautionary statements
P101 If medical advice is needed, have product container or label at hand.
P102 Keep out of the reach of children.
P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
P303 + P361 + P353 IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Wash skin with water [or shower].
P305 + P351 + P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present, if possible. Continue rinsing.
P310 Immediately call a POISON CENTER/doctor.
P405 Keep locked up.
P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with all local/national/international regulations.
Contains: Sodium hydroxide
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35013 Cittadella (PD)
Italy
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